Family of hair

Claire Fleming set up Claire Frances in Glasgow in 1997
‘We’re a family business – our mother has been in the industry for over 40 years, and that’s a lot of hair cuts! I’ve been doing this for 20 years now and I really love my job: there is something really satisfying knowing that you have made someone feel better by simply cutting their hair. Lloyd, my husband, works here too. I know that would be some people’s worst nightmare but it’s the opposite for me: we have a proper understanding of each other’s day. We keep this relaxed, friendly atmosphere going. I personally love nothing more than a good chat, and one of the perks to the job is that I get to chat all day.

‘A good haircut should suit the person and their personality: the colour should enhance their skin tone, eyes and even their wardrobe. When I consult with a client for the first time I’m not only asking lots of questions about their hair but their lifestyle too.

‘We’re seeing fringes come back in a big way this season: heavy with a shattered finish. And short and choppy cuts.’

Claire Frances, 28 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, 0141 333 0056. Cut and blow dry with Claire: £38.50.

The mighty Boosh

Mary Mulhern has been running Boosh in Edinburgh’s Cowgate since March 2000
‘I think many salons these days are quite intimidating places, so I try and keep the look and feel of Boosh inviting. Style-wise, anything goes this summer. That whole retro, 1950s look is still massive and can be interpreted in many ways. Don’t just go for a look because it’s in fashion, though: make sure it suits you and your lifestyle and image. The perfectionist in me can’t understand why people who are constantly in the public eye don’t get the best treatments: how I would love to take a brush and conditioning treatment to Amy Winehouse’s hair!’

Boosh, 307 Cowgate, Edinburgh, 0131 556 9993. Cut and blow dry with Mary: £38.

Knife-edge fringe

Davey Brown opened The Edge 15 years ago in Marchmont, Edinburgh
‘Our client base is very broad, everyone from families and students to young professionals. Our aim is always to give people what they ask for. Currently, the main trend is still for straightened hair (boring!) but we’ve had a few clients coming in and asking for Hollywood curls recently, which is fun to do. I like the way someone like Christina Aguilera uses her hair to change her whole look.’

The Edge, 94 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh, 0131 447 2222. Cut and blow dry: £16 for men and £23 for women.